The Marlpool Brewery, Marlpool

Now this is a gem. It's a watering hole for real drinkers, shoehorned into what was once a shop. It comprises a bar and three small (and I mean small) rooms inside and what could, if the summer ever arrives, be a pleasant outside seating area in a yard. the brewery is out there too. There were several in-house brews on offer as well as selected ales from other small breweries. The landlord was a very nice chap who seemed keen to know our impressions of the place and talk beer. The only downside is the restricted opening hours and the restricted capacity. Otherwise, a wonderful pub.

The Queen's Head, Marlpool

This free house, lying just outside Heanor town centre, has benefited from recent refurbishment and is an attractive pub, on two levels and with several small rooms. The range of beers is quite extensive and, as is now customary, there was a mild also on offer. The staff were friendly and the younger early-Friday-evening crowd departed around 9pm, leaving only the middle-aged to enjoy their pints. A good pub.